16 Aug 2014 Lake Hamilton: Wolves challenging for 6A South crown

Conference: 6A South
Coach: Jerry Clay
’13 Record: 8-4 (5-2)

It was another great season for the Lake Hamilton Wolves. Jerry Clay’s bunch finished 8-4 overall and 5-2 in a tough 6A South.

“Beating Pine Bluff and Benton to secure a home playoff game were great moments for us,” Clay said. “We had a close loss to El Dorado, the eventual state champion, which determined the conference championship.”

The Wolves will be their offensive against a strong offensive line, including returning starters Hunter Wallace, Riley Goad, Josh Graves and Tanner Scott. Caleb Smith returns at fullback, and Ethan Johnson returns to handle kicking duties. Zach Mulldoon is the returning deep snapper.

Alex Martinez, Darius Cooper and Marques Taylor return on the defensive line. Donell West and Josh Nazario return in the defensive secondary.

“Our defensive front seven should be strong, and our defensive secondary has potential,” Clay said. “They will have to develop. The offensive line should be a strength. Quarterback and receivers should be good.”

Other expected starters include: quarterback Jess Ledbetter; running back/linbacker Eli Jackson; center Hamp Watkins; offensive lineman Nathan Yzagurri; receiver/defensive backs Nathan Dutton, Jarrod Woodall, Zach Schauf, Donell West, Josh Nazario, Dallas Baldwin, Andrew Bennet and Austin Phillip; tight end Skyler Cox; running back/defensive back Jeisen Strickland; and linebackers Noah Rengstorf and Quintavious Haywood.

“We expect to compete for the conference championship along with Pine Bluff, El Dorado, Benton and Sheridan,” Clay said.

5 Players to Watch:
Hunter Wallace (Sr. OL/DL)
Riley Goad (Sr. OL/DL)
Ethan Johnson (Jr. K/P)
Alex Martinez (Sr. OL/DL)
Donell West (Sr. RB/DB)

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1 Must-see Game:
“The Pine Bluff game should be a game of two strong, contending teams.” — Clay

2014 Schedule:
Sept. 5        at Hot Springs
Sept. 12    Malvern
Sept. 19    Southside
Sept. 26    at Sheridan
Oct. 3        Texarkana
Oct. 10        at Pine Bluff
Oct. 17        at El Dorado
Oct. 24        Benton
Oct. 31        at Parkview
Nov. 7        LR Hall